Wednesday, September 27, 2006

Wednesday A.M. Quickie:Cards Chokery, Cont'd

Cards epic choke continues: I'm reading "The Echoing Green" right now, the full story about the 1951 "Shot Heard Round the World," which capped a wild fall comeback by the Giants to catch the Dodgers and force a playoff.

Right now, the Cards could use a little of the Giants sign-stealing-style cheating to fend off the Astros and avoid MLB's biggest regular-season division-title choke in the last decade.

If it meant the difference between winning and losing the playoffs, would Cards fans approve of a move like stealing signs? (After all, this is the same fan base that made Mark McGwire a god even though he turned out to be the poster guy for the Steroids Era.)

More on this story at the end of the post, because I want to get to the other storylines of the day.

Bonds to play in '07: Based on his 26 HR this season, Hank Aaron's record is as good as broken. (Bonds only needs 22 to do it.)

The BIG question, though, is WHERE? Will he stay in San Francisco? Will he move to the American League to DH?

Here's the upshot: All but a handful of teams would be CRAZY not to make a play for him: He'll be the biggest draw in MLB next season.

Wait: How about Bonds in BOSTON? That's Big Papi's idea, if the Red Sox are stupid enough to trade Manny during the offseason.

Ortiz tacitly approved shipping Manny out of town, but only if the team got someone to protect Papi's prodigious backside. (He ain't hitting 54 HR without a bodyguard.)

The name Ortiz threw out? Bonds.

(Barry in Boston? That year-long frenzy would be worth paying to see.)

Schilling drops "IF"-bomb: As in, "If I come back next year..." Boston media went appropriately bat-shit over this.

Schilling insists it was a rhetorical slip, but he's WAY too media-savvy for that to happen. Maybe he realized he and his team are off the MLB radar and wanted to do something to get back onto it.

A's clinch AL West: "Moneyball" is back, baby. Just in time to make a run to the World Series (as predicted in my Quickie preview in April).

The Tigers are the anti-Cards: Win yesterday holds off Twins (who also won), keeping DET 1 GA of MIN. (Meanwhile, the Tigers are playing for the playoffs; they're going to pull Verlander from his next start to get him ready for the ALDS.)

Warner still Cards starting QB: Well, that "Leinart-to-start" rumor was as baseless as a degree from an online "university."

Chargers' Kiel arrested: San Diego is lining up as the Bengals of the AFC West. If the Chargers and Bengals meet in the AFC title game, will there be enough probation officers to cover the need?

Vinny Testaverde to the Pats? They're looking at him. He's so old, he makes Brad Johnson look spry. This has to happen.

"HoopsAcademy" update: There was a huge summit in LA yesterday to talk about some sort of national hoops academy. I have a lot of opinions about this, which I'll try to put together for an item later today.

Dirk signs extension through 2011: Here's a prediction: The Mavs will never do better than last season, but Dirk ends this new deal in the Hall of Fame.

World's Strongest Man Update: The first American in 24 years won the most recent World's Strongest Man competition.

(Shout out to Magnus Magnussen: Holla!)

Notice how no one has ever suggested we institute drug-testing for StrongestMan. And, yet, we praise its champion and flock to watch its tractor-pulling, keg-tossing glories.

Maybe the Olympics should switch to the "Strongest Man" attitude: Hey, do what you gotta do.

Byron Nelson dead at 94: Be honest, how many of you didn't even know the golf legend was still alive as of yesterday?

If you're under 40, you never saw him play – the closest thing was watching the "Byron Nelson Classic."

MNF: Highest. Rating. Ever. At least, for an ESPN show. And it's the second-highest-rated show on cable ever, still trailing the unstoppable Gore-Perot NAFTA debate.

(The true amazingness of these TV-ratings stories is that a public-policy debate was the highest-rated show on cable of all time. Will it EVER be topped? If the Saints homecoming game can't do it -- and it almost did -- I'm not sure what can.)

Still, this most recent MNF rating is pretty amazing. But will it represent the high point?

Undoubtedly, it was the result of an unprecedented combo of ESPN's promotion skills plus the biggest human-interest story the NFL has seen in decades. As the season goes on, it remains to be seen whether the football-related (as opposed to human-interest) match-ups will be as compelling (or, more specifically, as widely watched).

Meanwhile, don't think that the executives over at NBC weren't tracking those MNF-in-N.O. ratings:

I am sure that NBC will take advantage of the new "flex" scheduling for Sunday night, even if it means PASSING on a more intriguing playoff-implicating match-up in exchange for more human interest from New Orleans.

(Though, at this rate, the Saints will be involved in late-season playoff-implication games, too.)

More on today's top story: The Cards have lost 7 straight; the Astros have won 7 straight, leaving them just 1.5 GB.

The Astros have 5 to play: 2 more at Pittsburgh and 3 at Atlanta. Both teams should absolutely roll over to Houston to make things as brutal as possible on the Cards. Hey, why not?

Meanwhile, the Cards play the final 5 games at home – one more against playoff-contending San Diego and 4 against the play-the-spoiler Brewers.

St. Louis has the 4th-best home record in the NL, but with the new stadium, you never know if it's got the mystical powers to help the team power through.

I can't help but wonder if die-hard Cards fans are quite sure that ending the season at OLD Busch would have assured a division title. NEW Busch? Who knows?

Here's the Cards' fans problem: They're alone. Every other baseball fan across the country -- and you could otherwise not give a crap about the Astros -- is rooting for Houston to complete the chokery.

I hate National League Baseball, but I also hate teh Cardinals. As such, I'm really hoping the Astros it on. This would even surpass the Angel's collapse back in 1995. They gave up 10 games in the final month. The Cards are about to do that in 2 weeks. Besides, I like the Astros more than the other teams in the playoffs in the NL. I'd love to see them be the NL's representative to be swept in the World Series.

Have to admit, I was one of those people who said, "Nelson was still alive?"

As for the Red Sox...are you serious? Do we really care about ANY storyline out of them? Every year it's who's leaving, will Manny be gone, blah blah blah. I was a huge supporter of the Sawx in '04 and still like them since my father's a fan...but at this point, I'm turning sour on them.

I have been rooting for the Astros this whole time because I love to see records broken and history made. THEN, today I realized that the Astros in the playoffs would mean a likely matchup with Clemens, Oswalt, and Pettite in the NLCS for my Mets...so, I changed my mind...go BIRDS!!!

As for the point chrth brought up...again, the MVP should not HAVE to go to a player on a playoff team, just like the Heisman SHOULD not have to go to a player on a national contender. (3 best Heisman candidates right NOW - Wolfe, Manningham and C Johnson). And in the NL, again, how about some respect for the amazing numbers, defense, and run creation from Reyes!

Bonds WILL be the biggest story, only because it's going to be awkward to see how baseball responds to the most important record in the game being broken by a cheater. Will Selig call for a celebration? How will Hank Aaron or Willie Mays react?

The difference between the Heisman and the MVP is that the Heisman is given to the BEST player* in college football while the MVP goes to the Most Valuable player. There's a huge difference; the former is a general ranking, while the latter is relative. And someone who assists their team with getting to the playoffs is more valuable than someone who doesn't, regardless of raw stats. Maybe back in the day when only 4 teams made the playoffs it shouldn't have been a criterion, but at this point it should be a major factor.

*Since we're speaking Heisman, that really should say 'BEST QB-RB-WR Player' since lord knows they'd never give it to a lineman.

I was absolutely stopped in my tracks when i heard about TO. If this is all on the up-and-up this has to be one of the most shocking stories I have heard in sports. The guy seemingly has it all. I actually feel bad for him and hope for the best.

It's one in the same for the awards for the fact it should not matter if your team is a top contender (i.e. ARod in Texas). MVP does not mean MVP on one of the best teams...simply most valuable player - plain and simple. Plus, you have to take into account more than just offensive stats as well (i.e. Ryan Howard). As Neyer says, CF's deserve more consideration simply because of the defense required. All that said...who does the most valuable work? Not which player on a playoff team did great.

And of course, there are still the Cincy Reds just 2.5 out, one behind Houston. How about a 3-way tie just for the fun of 2 play-out games?

Bonds won't come to Boston....he's already dissed the city in the past, plus....right field is huge beyond the pole....you'd think he'd want to go somewhere with a shorter porch....like, oh....(cue the Imperial March)

Brave Sir Robin, is that name a Muppets reference?

If the Astros do make it in, can you see the Mets begging not to face them in the first round? Desperate for the Phillies to lose so that they can play an NL West wild card, instead? Of course, we've been hearing "Clemens, Petitte, Oswalt" for a couple of years now....

But how can you say that anyone on a non-playoff team is more valuable than a player on a playoff team?

The point of baseball is to win the World Series. You can't do that without making the playoffs. Therefore, the best players on teams that make the playoffs matter more than number guys on teams that don't make it.

I hate to be so cynical, but I have to wonder whether T.O. is pulling a publicity stunt to gain sympathy or if he was earnest in his suicide attempt. If the latter, then I wish him all the best, but I'm not sure that we will ever know for sure

Value is a relative measure, not a general one. Ryan Howard has no value to the Mets. Manny Ramirez, in all honesty, is probably more valuable to the Red Sox than David Ortiz is because not only does MR have his own set of stats, he makes Big Papi a better player by batting behind him.

When it comes to the playoffs, value is augmented by getting there. Let's take the Phillies. If the Phillies don't make the playoffs, then Ryan Howard is less valuable. Why? Because without Ryan Howard the Phillies still don't make the playoffs. Now let's look at Derek Jeter: when the Yankees were struggling with injuries and a wounded A-Rod, Jeter stepped up his game both on the field and in the clubhouse and helped the team get through that patch. If you remove Jeter from the Yankees, it's arguable that they go into a tailspin at that time and don't make the playoffs. (BTW, you have no idea how much it pains me to make the case for Jeter)

Of course, that's a literal rendering of the term 'valuable'. Considering those that vote for MVP are idiots (ditto those the Heisman) I don't expect them to be aware of such subtleties.

Dan, call it home-town bias, but if you're really looking for an underdog to root for, if you're really looking to get behind the long-shot, remember, the Cincinnati Reds are now only 2.5 back of the Cards. Hell, with the slide St. Louis is pulling here, the Reds have as good a chance as any.

Woah, how about this one: the best of both worlds: Reds V. Astros in a one game playoff.

You know what, let's root for that! I won't care who wins (although, let's face it, Astors vs. Mets in the NLDS would be much more interesting than Reds/Mets.)

This is the same fan base that made Mark McGwire a god even though he turned out to be the poster guy for the Steroids Era.

Is it just me, or are you a little more biting when ESPN isn't around to edit you? I think actually Dan that baseball fans in general--and all human media as well--made Big Mac a god for his heroics.

I'm having a hard time rooting for the Astros. As a Cubs fan I'm required by law to despise the Cards, but as a Cubs fan raised in teh 90's, I have probably more hate for the Astros (see: 1998, 2004 especially). So while it would be great to see the Cards choke in such epic fashion, I'm not sure I could handle the Astros pulling this coming-from-nowhere act to make the playoffs three fucking years in a row.

[setting: Parcells' beautiful office. 7:30 am. Dallas, TX. His only visible clothing is a polo shirt that is navy blue except for a silver 5-pointed star over his left breast. He is talking with several assistants, each of whom admire every word he says, mostly because he adds a lot of emphasis.]

Parcells: We need to find ways to get more out of Drew. I know he can't run for shit, but he's going to leave here with a ring. And DAMNIT, SO AM I. AND SO ARE ALL OF YOU!

Assistant 1: Should we call for more plays that involve Owens? He hasn't been an 'x' factor yet.

Assistant 2 (ovbviously battling with #1 for Parcells' good graces): Coach, we're still not sure what T.O. can do. I mean it's been pretty good so far with him, all things considered, but he is still not 100%.

Parcells: Yeah, we have dodged a few bullets. There was plenty of room for things to get bad with him.

Ass.1: Then let's give him a shot at some serious catches.

Parcells: Ok, let's give him some plays that challenge his abilities. I'll take care of talking to Drew about it.MARY! (Parcells calls his secretary) CALL DREW IN HERE FOR 10 THIS MORNING.

Mary (enters office): Yes, coach. I couldn't help but overhear you mentioning how Mr. Owens has been somewhat tame.

Parcells: Yes, a lot of media coverage, as was expected, but the man can play. That's what matters most.

Just because I am rooting for a team to do something doesn't make me a fan. I root for any and every team to beat the Redskins...doesn't make me their fan. Pay attention to the explanation next time.

chrth - good point, which backs in part my point. It's all about value. But, where does it says value is determined by best one of the best teams. If Carlos Zambrano went 30-0 this year (which would STILL leave the Cubs out of it), how could anyone say he wasn't MVP - he contributed to 30 wins. Same goes for positional players - why I enjoy the win-shares stats.

We don't know how many he took last night. He has been taking these pills for over a week now since he injured his hand, and the report I read said the bottle was empty when his friend showed up, he said he had taken 5 and then popped 2 more. There is a good chance he took 5-7 pills and finished off a half empty bottle. Regardless, I think people in the media should be feeling just a little queasy right about now if this comes out that the full media assualt was the major contributing factor.

Dan, you mention that Del Rio is saying the Colts are dirty?!? I live in Indy, watched the game on Sunday and I really don't see a basis for that comment. I also can't find any articles on line with the story, so can you or someone here give some more details or a link please?

He took 5 before last night. What he took last night was the remainder of the bottle, minus 2 which he took when the posse arrived. The prescription had 40 pills, so he took 33 at first, and then 2 more last night.

Dusty hasn't figured out yet that he's history in Chicago? I think the "D" in Dusty stands for "Duh!" today.

The Cubs are similar to the Detroit Lions in that they may never turn things around unless there's a change in ownership. Except, in the case of the Lions, they may never turn things around anyway. Run for your life, Girardi!

Damn TO. I want to see the media have LOTS of fun speculating who would get to DH if Bonds came to Boston. I mean, last time I checked, Ortiz and Bonds BOTH can't DH on the same day, and both are defensive liabilities.

1) Did I see someone rank Garrett Wolfe (the nation's leading rusher) as the top Heisman candidate? Whoever it was ... thank you for not sipping the "only the big boys win the Heisman" kool-aid!!

2) Phils fans are pulling, in a weird way, for the Astros. Why? Because blowing an 8-1/2 game lead with two weeks to go trumps blowing a 6-1/2 game lead with two weeks to go. A Cardinal collapse would erase the '64 Phils as the Biggest. Choke. Ever.

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DanShanoff.com is a sports-blog spin-off of my long-time ESPN.com column, "The Daily Quickie." Anchored by an early-morning post of must-know topics, the blog is updated frequently throughout the day with new posts and user comments.